By Caijing staff reporter Yan Jianbiao

Week-long mass disturbances in East China’s Tong'an, a small town in Su Zhou city, have spread to nearby areas, triggered by long-term suppressed anger toward local governments on matters related to land acquisition.

Thousands of villages in Xushuguan, a town adjacent to Tong’an, gathered in front of the local government office building at 20:00 p.m. Wednesday after a heavy rain. Minutes later, hundreds of riot police arrived, blocked the door of the office building, and crashed with the protestors, leaving several injured. Villagers were dispersed soon later.

At the same time, a road section from Huajin Road to State Road G312 in Tong’an Town was blocked again by nearly ten thousand villagers, like three days ago. Police blocked intersections to prevent vehicles from passing the section. Around 22:00 p.m, villagers began leaving.

Caijing reporters also learned that another group of people gathered in a nearby town named Dongchu to protest over corruption during the land acquisition.

The money each household can get from the recent demolitions was 40,000 yuan less compared with the years before 2008, several local villagers told Caijing reporters. They believed the money was embezzled by local officials.

“Most of the villagers were very poor before, including the local officials, but things are quite different now. The officials began to drive expensive cars, and moved to new houses after the demolition,” said a villager who didn’t give his name.

Local officials in Suzhou city announced to halt the demolition and dismiss three officials related to this matter, including Secretary of Party Committee Wang Jun, Deputy Secretary of Party Committee Meng Xiaoyu, who was also Mayor of the town.

However, according to Wang Jun, who took office in 2008, it is not him, but his predecessor Wang Guoliang, should be responsible for this matter.

Wang Guoliang had been charged over corruption. Police had found millions yuan in cash that he couldn’t explain where the money was from.

Tong’an, Xushuguan and Dongchu towns are located in western Suzhou City near Taihu Lake, with a total population of 190,000. Most of the people living in this area are peasants.

The government started demolition operations in the vast area in 2003 as part of its effort to advance local economy.

Full article in Chinese: http://www.caijing.com.cn/2010-07-22/110483729.html